You’re surrounded by influential wellness influencers shaping perspectives on healthy living, self-care, body positivity, and plant-based lifestyles through their inspiring content [2]. Social media has become a driving force, with Gen Z women and millennials relying heavily on wellness influencers for recommendations on everything from weight loss regimens to self-care products [2] [1].
The cosmetics, beauty, and personal care industries are thriving, fueled by consumers’ growing interest in wellness influencers and their endorsements of healthy recipes, lifestyle tips, and wellness products [2]. This article delves into the influential voices revolutionizing health and well-being, from the founders of pioneering health and lifestyle brands to yoga teachers, psychotherapists, and parenting gurus promoting body positivity and healthy living on social media [1] [2].
Lauren Ash: Founder of Black Girl In Om
Lauren Ash is the founder and executive director of the lifestyle brand Black Girl In Om, focused on the wellness of Black women and women of color [3] [4]. Since founding Black Girl In Om in 2014, she has created transformational experiences and content that center and speak to this historically marginalized community [3].
- Lauren has hosted the Black Girl In Om podcast, reaching over 2 million listeners across 4 seasons [3] [4].
- She has toured globally, guiding meditations, yoga, and transformational conversations for thousands of Black women and women of color [3] [4].
- Lauren has been recognized as a trailblazer in the contemporary wellness movement, praised for “fostering a community of healing” by The New York Times [4]. She has been named:
- “A master practitioner of #blackgirlmagic” and “a leading voice in the healthy-living world” by Well+Good [4]
- “One of the most important voices in the wellness industry” by Shape magazine [3] [4]
- One of ESSENCE’s Woke 100 and one of Wanderlust’s “35 under 35 in Wellness to Watch” in 2019 [3] [4]
As a meditation and yoga teacher, Lauren centers compassionate presence, unconditional love, and intention in her work [4]. She has guided meditation experiences with notable brands and organizations like The Big Quiet, Nike, Heal Haus, Free People, and Wanderlust [3]. Additionally, Lauren has created a 30-day Mindful Meditation Challenge for Refinery29 and provided meditation guidance for Oprah Magazine [3].
| Notable Collaborations | Events and Venues |
| Adidas, American Express, Bon Appetit, Nike, OWN, Target, Samsung, SXSW | Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, SXSW, Lululemon’s Here to Be |
Lauren has contributed to wellness and lifestyle publications like CRWN, Girlboss, Glamour, mindbodygreen, Teen Vogue, and Well+Good [3]. Black Girl In Om has over 70,000 Instagram followers, indicating its resonance with the target audience of Black women [5]. The brand’s website and podcast, co-hosted by Ash and Deun Ivory, cover topics like reclaiming beauty and intentional living, aiming to reshape how Black women are depicted [5].
Robin Berzin, MD: Founder of Parsley Health
Robin Berzin, MD, founded Parsley Health in 2016 to address the rising tide of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine that incorporates food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostic testing alongside medications [6]. Her vision was to create a different patient experience from traditional primary care, with first visits being 75 minutes long and focused on getting to know the patient’s full health story [7].
Parsley Health’s approach combines:
- Nutrition
- Medications
- Sleep protocols
- Mental health support
- Fitness recommendations
- Advanced diagnostics
The aim is to address the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms [7] [8]. By month 3, Parsley Health claims to improve symptoms in 98% of members and help many reduce or eliminate medications [8].
Key Highlights:
- Dr. Berzin is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and trained at Columbia University and Mount Sinai Hospital [6].
- She has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care at Parsley Health [6].
- Parsley Health uses technology and data, including a Symptom Tracker and patient-reported outcome surveys, to empower patients and refine their practice [7].
- The practice offers employer-sponsored membership options to help employees feel amazing, reduce healthcare costs, and thrive at work [8].
- Dr. Berzin’s book, “Prescription for Happiness,” focuses on how to eat, move, and supplement for peak mental health [6].
Parsley Health is leading the way in root cause medicine, an evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating disease by addressing the underlying root causes [8]. Dr. Berzin initially bootstrapped the first Parsley Health clinic before raising funding and expanding to multiple locations in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco [7].
Arianna Huffington: Founder and CEO of Thrive Global
Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, has emerged as a prominent wellness influencer through her company Thrive Global. Founded in 2016, Thrive Global aims to end the epidemic of stress and burnout by offering companies and individuals sustainable, science-based solutions to enhance well-being, performance, and purpose. [9]
Huffington’s journey into the wellness space began after she collapsed from exhaustion in 2007, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities and adopt a more balanced approach to life. This experience inspired her to write the book “Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder.” [10]
At Thrive Global, Huffington and her team have developed a comprehensive suite of behavior change technology to unlock human potential. Their offerings include:
- Corporate Services: Providing training, coaching, and technology solutions to help organizations build a culture of well-being, resilience, and performance. [11]
- Consumer Products: Offering a range of products and services, such as the Thrive App, Thrive Planner, and Thrive Reset digital course, designed to help individuals improve their well-being and productivity. [12]
- Media Platform: Featuring science-based content and expert insights on various aspects of well-being, including sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and stress management. [13]
Huffington’s influence extends beyond her company. She has been a vocal advocate for the importance of self-care, work-life balance, and prioritizing mental health. Her efforts have earned her recognition as one of the world’s most influential people by Time magazine and a spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s 100 most powerful women. [14]
Through her work at Thrive Global, Huffington has become a leading voice in the wellness industry, inspiring individuals and organizations to prioritize their well-being and redefine success beyond just financial metrics. [15]
Amy Morin, LCSW: Psychotherapist and Author
Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has been working in the field since 2002, helping children, teens, and adults build mental strength [9]. She is an international bestselling author, having sold over 1 million copies of her books:
- ’13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do’
- ’13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do’
- ’13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do’
- ’13 Things Strong Kids Do’ [9]
Morin frequently delivers keynote speeches on mental strength to organizations such as:
- YouTube
- The National Nuclear Security Administration
- The American Academy of Pediatrics
- Under Armour
- Johnson & Johnson [9]
She has been quoted or mentioned in many major online and print publications, including Time, Fast Company, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Oprah.com, Men’s Health, and Money. She has also appeared on television programs like Inside Edition, Good Day New York, Inc., CNBC, Fox Business, and Good Morning America [9].
| Career Highlights |
| Served as Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind from 2020-2023 [9] |
| Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Maine [9] |
| Master’s degree in social work from the University of New England [9] |
| Known for expertise in mental health and social technology’s impact [10] |
| First book ’13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do’ hit bestseller lists, translated into 33 languages [11] |
| Regular columnist for Forbes, Inc., and Psychology Today, reaching over 2 million readers per month [11] |
Morin’s writing process involves research, writing, and editing, with a focus on being organized and taking careful notes [11]. She has been influenced by books like ‘Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less’ by Greg McKeown [11]. Morin has found success as a prolific non-fiction writer, focusing on productivity and mental health topics [11].
Her viral letter about the 13 things mentally strong people don’t do led to a book deal, and she has since written 6 books that have sold over 1 million copies globally, with translations in over 40 languages [12]. Morin’s TEDx talk, ‘The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,’ has been viewed over 22 million times, making it one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time [12].
Afton Vechery and Carly Leahy: Co-Founders of Modern Fertility
Afton Vechery is the co-founder and CEO of Modern Fertility, a reproductive health company that allows women to test their own egg reserve and ovulation hormone levels at home [13]. She started Modern Fertility in 2017 to solve the $2 billion women’s fertility industry, focusing on the gap in how the healthcare system supports fertility and preconception care [13].
Vechery’s co-founder Carly Leahy, who had a marketing background, helped humanize the medical aspects and develop the brand for Modern Fertility [13]. Their $159 comprehensive fertility blood test measures 7 key hormones and can flag issues, suggest outcomes for procedures like egg-freezing, and project a timeline for menopause [13].
Facing challenges in fundraising, as many VCs did not understand the problem they were trying to solve, Vechery and Leahy secured $15 million in Series A funding from Forerunner Ventures in 2019 [13]. In May 2021, Modern Fertility was acquired by the health-tech company Ro for over $225 million, with Vechery becoming Ro’s president of women’s health, and Leahy the VP of brand of women’s health [13].
Vechery’s goal is to make fertility hormone testing as routine as a pap smear, shifting the approach from reactive to proactive [13]. Modern Fertility provides:
- Research-backed information and resources to help women make informed decisions about family planning [14]
- 1:1 consultations with fertility nurses and weekly ‘Egginar’ webinars [14]
- A brand voice that blends an ‘OB/GYN, reproductive health sherpa, and best friend’ [14]
Modern Fertility aims to empower you to be your own health advocate by providing information about your fertility hormones, without pushing towards any specific fertility outcome [14]. Their products, including an Ovulation Test, Pregnancy Test, and cycle tracking app, are now available at Target stores and Target.com for better accessibility [15].
| Additional Initiatives |
| Vechery advocates for supporting women in STEM fields, serving on the National Leadership Council of the Science Fair [15] |
| Partnered with WNBA players like Nneka Ogwumike to provide fertility testing products to the league [15] |
| ‘State of Fertility’ report found 27% of respondents don’t feel they need partners to become parents, indicating a shift in family planning trends [15] |
Jessamyn Stanley: Yoga Teacher and Author of Every Body Yoga
Jessamyn Stanley is an award-winning yoga instructor, body positivity advocate, and author of the book ‘Every Body Yoga’ [16]. She has a large social media following of over 550k and has worked with brands like Kotex, Amazon, ThirdLove, ClassPass, and ESPN [16]. Jessamyn has been featured in many media outlets including The New York Times, Good Morning America, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Forbes [16].
In April 2019, she launched a digital yoga platform called The Underbelly, which provides yoga classes for web, iOS, and Android [16]. Jessamyn’s mission is to democratize the yoga experience and make it accessible for all people, especially those who feel excluded from the mainstream yoga world [16]. The Underbelly aims to serve as a safe haven for anyone who feels they don’t “fit in” with traditional yoga culture [16]. Jessamyn’s key initiatives for The Underbelly’s success are to build a strong community of loyal yoga practitioners and focus on providing them with the best possible experience [16].
Yoga has significantly impacted Jessamyn’s life, altering how she sees the world, herself, and her purpose in serving others [17]. It has helped her become more emotionally engaged and present in the moment [17]. Yoga has allowed her to confront and overcome personal boundaries and sources of unhappiness [17]. Jessamyn has practiced various yoga styles including:
- Bikram
- Vinyasa
- Yin
- Forrest
- Anusara
- Ashtanga [17]
She emphasizes that the true essence of yoga transcends any specific teacher or lineage [17]. Jessamyn does not directly link yoga to body positivity, as she sees yoga as being about something much bigger [17]. She believes that if one is not comfortable with their physical body, it becomes difficult to do the emotional and spiritual work that yoga requires [17].
Jessamyn values both individual and group yoga practices, as the group experience can create a profound energy, while individual practice allows one to focus on their own experience [17]. Her advice for beginners is to not let inexperience hold them back from trying, and for those struggling with body positivity, to focus on how they feel rather than how they look [17].
Emilie Hebert: Founder and Blogger at Emilie Eats
Emilie Hebert is the blogger behind the popular plant-based food blog Emilie Eats [20]. She grew up in Louisiana with a mother who cooked healthy, plant-based meals and instilled an appreciation for the environment [20]. Emilie transitioned to a plant-based diet in college after being inspired by the Oh She Glows blog and the documentary Cowspiracy [20]. For her, eating plant-based is not about willpower or restriction, but about moving towards what makes her feel good [20].
Emilie started her blog just 2 months after going vegan, driven by a passion to share her love of plant-based eating and cooking [20]. Her blog has been very successful, which she attributes to her determination and strong work ethic, as well as her creative outlet for photography and cooking [20]. Emilie is pursuing a degree in mass communication and plans to become a registered dietitian, using her blog as a platform to communicate with people on a large scale [20].
Here are some key points about Emilie and her approach:
- Realistic Mindset: Emilie’s advice for those considering a plant-based diet is to be realistic, not judge yourself, and start where you are without worrying about perfection [20].
- Balanced Approach: Emilie’s core philosophy is centered around intuitive, balanced eating – enjoying both nutritious foods and indulgences like chips and margaritas. She believes in the healing power of a plant-based diet but doesn’t promote an overly restrictive approach [21].
- Inspiring Goals: Emilie’s goal with her blog is to inspire people to nourish their bodies with whole foods, have fun in the kitchen, and show that plant-based eating can include dessert [20].
- Professional Pursuits: Emilie is currently a senior in college studying public relations, while also working as a social media intern and preparing to attend graduate school to become a registered dietitian [21]. As a registered dietitian, she works with clients on issues like disordered eating, orthorexia, and chronic dieting using Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size principles [22].
- Specialization: Emilie specializes in working with clients who are vegan, vegetarian, have food allergies/restrictions, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community [22].
Jamie King and Alyse Mason: Founders of Fit Approach and Parenting Gurus at #ParentRiot
Jamie King and Alyse Mason are the founders of Fit Approach, an influencer marketing agency [1]. They also launched #ParentRiot, an offshoot of Fit Approach dedicated to helping busy parents stay healthy [1].
King and Mason have contrasting approaches to fitness:
- Jamie King regularly runs 40 miles a week [1].
- Alyse Mason is a fan of fitness ‘snacks’ – small bursts of movement throughout the day [1].
However, they share a common perspective on wellness:
“Wellness is evolving from a perfection mindset to more of a make-do perspective,” King and Mason believe [1].
Mason elaborates on this realistic approach:
“Sometimes I get to make myself delicious, nutritious meals. Sometimes I get to luxuriate in a 90-minute yoga class. Other days, taking a shower counts as wellness, and that’s okay” [1].
King highlights the rawness and vulnerability of parenting:
“Parenting isn’t always Pinterest worthy. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s vulnerable, and it is perhaps the most humbling thing I’ve ever experienced—and what better way to share in that experience than forge a group of parents supporting parents talking about being parents?” [1]
The founders emphasize that there is no single ‘perfect’ way to be a parent – it’s about intuition and responding to the child’s needs in the moment [23]. Parenting is challenging but also joyful and brilliant, with good days and difficult days [23].
To find personal time and space amidst parenting, the founders engage in activities like:
- Reading
- Writing
- Yoga [23]
One founder had multiple miscarriages and struggled with PCOS, a ‘silent disease’ that affects hormones, physical changes, and mental health [23]. The Alara community provides healing and support for those dealing with fragmented healthcare systems and chronic conditions [23].
Ultimately, the founders’ greatest joys in parenting come from the reminders to play, be present, and have fun [23]. Parenting also involves a lot of negotiation and teaching children about kindness, respect, and dignity [23].
Conclusion
The wellness revolution spearheaded by influential women is ushering in a profound shift towards holistic well-being, self-care, and body positivity. From the founders of pioneering health brands to yoga instructors, psychotherapists, and parenting gurus, these trailblazers are reshaping perspectives and empowering individuals to prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health. Their inspiring journeys and innovative approaches serve as a catalyst for embracing a more balanced, compassionate, and purposeful way of living.
Ultimately, these influential voices remind us that true wellness is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. By challenging societal norms, breaking down barriers, and fostering inclusive communities, they are creating a ripple effect that will resonate for generations to come, inspiring us all to embrace our authentic selves and cultivate a life of fulfillment, joy, and overall well-being.
FAQs
Who Made a Significant Impact on Women’s Health?
Elizabeth Blackwell is a notable figure in the history of healthcare, being the first woman to earn a medical degree. She was a pioneer in advocating for the involvement of women in the medical field and founded a medical college specifically for women, significantly impacting women’s health and opportunities in medicine.
What Defines a Wellness Influencer?
Wellness influencers are individuals who have a substantial presence on social media or blogs, encompassing a range of roles from yoga instructors and self-care advocates to mental health supporters and fitness industry experts. They engage with large audiences by promoting products, sharing experiences, and fostering deeper connections with their followers, all centered around wellness and health.
References
[1] – https://www.verywellfit.com/influential-women-in-wellness-4587580
[2] – https://www.emarketer.com/content/creators-have-outsize-influence-over-gen-z-women-s-beauty-wellness-purchases
[3] – https://laurenash.co/my-story/
[4] – https://www.cla.purdue.edu/alumni/awards/emerging-voice-awards-archive/2022/lauren-ashley-miller.html
[5] – https://www.essence.com/beauty/black-girl-in-om-lauren-ash-and-deun-ivory-diversity-inclusion-wellness-black-women/
[6] – https://www.parsleyhealth.com/team/robin-berzin/
[7] – https://www.wired.com/wiredinsider/2019/06/robin-berzin-is-bridging-tech-and-health-to-radically-change-the-patient-experience/
[8] – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/parsley-health_7wireventures-presents-top-of-the-ladder-activity-7140106886137225216-u_jK
[9] – https://www.verywellmind.com/amy-morin-4842552
[10] – https://publicwords.com/2024/01/13/nick-talks-to-psychotherapist-amy-morin-about-the-impact-of-social-tech-on-mental-health/
[11] – https://www.writingroutines.com/amy-morin-interview/
[12] – https://amymorinlcsw.com/about-amy/
[13] – https://thehelm.co/afton-vechery-modern-fertility-interview/
[14] – https://medium.com/allraise/wcw-afton-vechery-ceo-of-modern-fertility-navigating-fertility-through-covid-19-7f0c35915a2
[15] – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aftonv_how-afton-vechery-sold-modern-fertility-for-activity-6828069954735222784-DeYU?trk=public_profile_like_view
[16] – https://natfluence.com/interview/jessamyn-stanley/
[17] – https://classpass.com/afterclass/interview-jessamyn-stanley/
[18] – https://union.wisc.edu/about/news/jessamyn-stanley/
[19] – https://blog.workman.com/jessamyn-stanleys-upcoming-every-body-yoga
[20] – https://www.mamasezz.com/blogs/news/interview-with-plant-based-blogger-emilie-hebert-of-emilie-eats
[21] – https://www.hellospoonful.com/interview-emilie-eats-vegan-food-blogger/
[22] – https://livegreatly.libsyn.com/emilie-hebert-guilt-free-eating-attaining-health-at-every-size-from-a-dietician-the-creator-of-emilie-eats
[23] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etajCsYW3_8
[24] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7503997/
[25] – https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/2024/march/the-wellness-trap-how-wellness-culture-is-impacting-on-womens-careers
[26] – https://badtothebowl.com/20/